Cavallo, D.; Blikstein, P.; Sipitakiat, A.; Basu, A.; Camargo, A.; de Deus Lopes, R.; Cavallo, A., “The City That We Want: generative themes, constructionist technologies and school/social change,” Advanced Learning Technologies, 2004. Proceedings. IEEE International Conference on , vol., no., pp.1034,1038, 30 Aug.-1 Sept. 2004
Abstract
We describe a project, The City that We Want, which enabled the constructionist use of technology within a generative theme to enable students to design and construct their ideas about how to improve life in their communities. We used a variety of computational technologies combined with crafts and scrap materials. The goal was for children to learn in a more contextualized manner important ideas in the disciplines through their projects. We designed the overall project itself as an object to think with in order to facilitate a broader reform in the schools. The willing participation, inspired projects, and commitment and development of the teachers demonstrated significant value.